With a groan of despair she went outside again and again listened. Somebody was approaching the corridor. Somebody was coming into the corridor. She stood where she was. It was Mrs. Dashwood who was coming. She had mounted the steps, and here she was walking towards her. Gwendolen stood still and waited.
May saw the figure of the girl, clutching her dressing-gown round her, and staring with large distended eyes like a hunted animal.
"What is it?" asked May. "Do you feel ill, Gwen?"
"Oh!" said the girl, with a shiver, "I'm so glad you've come! I can't go into my bedroom alone. Oh, I am so wretched!"
"I'll take you into your bedroom," said May, and she led Gwen in and closed the door behind them.
"You were in bed," she said. "Get in again and I will straighten you up." She helped Gwendolen to take off her dressing-gown.
"You can't stay with me a little?" demanded Gwen, and her lips trembled. "I've such a headache."
The handkerchiefs were still bound round her head, and were making her hot and uncomfortable.
"Poor Gwen!" said May. "Yes, I'll stay a little. I dare say some Eau-de-Cologne would help your headache to go."
"I haven't got any. I've only got scent," said Gwen, as she stepped into bed.